Writing routines: Why systems beat willpower – every time

Chris SmithOctober 15, 2017

All writers are different – they approach their projects in different ways and are motivated and demotivated by different things. But they are the same in one way: they all need a plan and a system. Because without a system you’re just relying on your willpower – and that’s really hard. So, here’s two practical, actionable methods you can use to get a writing routine that will help you write unthinkingly.

Here are the 4 golden rules of ‘when – then’ planning

Be specific

Decide how often you want to write and how long you want to write for. But try to be as specific as you can. Don’t just say you ‘want to write’ or commit to writing ‘a few days of the week’. You can always increase/decrease the time you write for later down the line

Find an everyday trigger

Look for activities or events in your daily routine that you do regularly that you can associate a writing session with. These should be ordinary, everyday type activities. Don’t think too big or grand and don’t pick triggers that are too infrequent or random.

Make a commitment

Make a written commitment and if possible, share that commitment with someone else. But remember, don’t be vague. If you say you’re going to write when you get home from work make sure you do just that every time – not a few hours later. Remember, the two actions have to become fused together in your mind to make them feel like a routine.

Plan for eventualities

The best-laid plans are always going to go off the rails at some point – you are only human. But the key is not to let it happen often and to have a back up ‘when-then’ plan do you don’t lose momentum. If I miss an evening of writing, then I’ll clear the decks and write tomorrow lunch.

> Take action

What will you be doing immediately before taking your next writing session? What is your ‘when-then’ trigger to write?